The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has opened the new Conde M. Nast Galleries, designed by the Brooklyn-based firm Peterson Rich Office (PRO). The inaugural exhibition, titled "Costume Art," features 200 pieces from various museum departments and will run until January 10, 2027. The 12,000-square-foot space, located off the Great Hall, incorporates historic structural elements and uses subtle lighting and materials to create a quiet backdrop for the display of fragile costumes and art objects.
The opening has sparked controversy among some architects, who argue that placing fashion-focused galleries in such a prominent location signals a decline in the stature of art museums. The move, overseen by Met director and CEO Max Hollein, elevates costume to a more visible curatorial position, alongside the existing Anna Wintour Costume Center. This development reflects ongoing debates about the relationship between fashion and fine art within major cultural institutions.